ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect
ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and most commonly used tests to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test that provides important information about your heart rate and rhythm. At Ameena Heart and Critical Care Hospital, ECG testing can help doctors evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue. What Is an ECG? An ECG, also called an EKG, records the electrical signals generated by your heart. These signals control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. During an ECG, small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and limbs. These electrodes detect the heart’s electrical activity, which is then displayed as characteristic waves on the ECG machine. The test usually takes only a few minutes and does not involve needles or injections. Why Is an ECG Done? Doctors may recommend an ECG ...